Page 479 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Thirteen

A sharp rap on the door caused Josephine to jump.

“Come in,” her father called.

Montague rose as the door opened and Lord Allaway entered.

He approached, then stopped beside the couch. “The doctor has arrived.”

“Wylst is alive?” Nicholas asked.

“Thus far.” Lord Allaway’s gaze shifted onto her father. “Forgive me, but the sheriff is also here. You understand, I had to summon him.”

Her father nodded. “Of course.”

Lord Allaway looked at her. “Are you all right, Lady Josephine?”

She nodded. “I am, sir, thank you.

“Wylst is asking to see you.”

Nick barked a laugh. “Nay.”

She rose. “I must see him.”

“Josephine—”

She held up a hand. “I will have my answers. My father can accompany me.”

“I am coming.”

“Nicholas, no.”

“Yes,” her father said. “He has not only a right, but an obligation to be there.”

She wanted to argue, but knew it was fruitless. “As you wish.”

Lord Allaway said, “If you will come with me, I will show you where he is.”

They followed him to a small bedchamber that Josephine estimated to be in the west wing. She recognized Dr. Weir, who had seen to the young Lord Crenshaw yesterday and—she swallowed—Sheriff Boyd.

Doctor Weir paused in setting a glass of water on the nightstand and looked over his shoulder at them.

“Doctor,” her father said.

Dr. Weir nodded. When he straightened, Josephine caught sight of the brooch, her rings, the handkerchief, and Nicholas’ letters sitting on the nightstand with the pouch. In the fray, she’d forgotten about the items. It suddenly seemed strange that she had planned to use them to pay for entrance into a convent.

“How is he?” Nicholas asked.

The doctor gave a small shake of his head. “I have given him laudanum for the pain. There is little more I can do.”

“Can we speak with him?” Sheriff Boyd asked.

“If he wakens. I will take some tea and look in on him when you are finished. If anything happens in the meantime, call for me.”

The sheriff nodded, and he left.

“Lord Wylst has made some serious accusations,” Sheriff Boyd said when the door clicked shut.